News Summary
The San Diego Community College District has partnered with San Diego State University to build a shared STEM academic center at SDSU’s Mission Valley campus. This five-story facility aims to enhance the transfer process for community college students to four-year universities. Construction will exceed $100 million, with planned amenities including labs, classrooms, and student support spaces. The initiative seeks to improve pathways for students and address challenges they face in higher education transitions while bolstering regional workforce needs in STEM fields.
San Diego – The San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) has formally entered into a nonbinding agreement with San Diego State University (SDSU) to construct a shared academic center focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) at SDSU’s new Mission Valley campus. This five-story building will be approximately 100,000 square feet and is expected to be situated near Snapdragon Stadium within the proposed Innovation District at SDSU.
This partnership marks a significant collaboration between a California State University campus and a prominent community college district, aiming to co-develop academic programs that better facilitate the transfer of community college students to four-year universities. This initiative comes in light of findings from a 2023 study by the Public Policy Institute of California, which indicated that merely 19% of community college students intending to transfer to a university complete the process within four years.
As part of this collaboration, SDSU will guarantee admission to eligible students from San Diego City, Mesa, and Miramar colleges, effective fall 2026. The agreement is designed to address the challenges that community college students often face in transferring to four-year institutions, including insufficient guidance and confusion over course requirements.
According to initial plans, SDCCD will occupy four floors of the proposed academic center, while SDSU will utilize the remaining floor. Construction costs for this project are anticipated to exceed $100 million, although specific funding sources have yet to be confirmed. However, recent voter approval of a $3.5 billion bond measure aimed at upgrading educational facilities could potentially provide financial support for the construction.
The new academic center is set to include teaching and research laboratories, classrooms, faculty and administrative offices, and student support spaces that are oriented towards high-demand careers in STEM fields. By creating this facility, both institutions aim to establish more effective pathways for students to transfer and ultimately earn advanced degrees, thus enhancing the regional workforce and local economy.
- The partnership is described as the first of its kind, establishing a shared educational facility that bridges community college and university education.
- SDCCD Chancellor Gregory Smith emphasized the district’s mission to uplift students and provide affordable access to higher education opportunities.
- Recent initiatives at Southwestern College in collaboration with Cal State San Marcos reflect a growing trend in the region towards educational collaboration and resource sharing.
This groundbreaking endeavor not only exemplifies the commitment of both educational institutions to support student success but also highlights the increasing demand for skilled professionals in STEM fields. By working together, SDCCD and SDSU are taking proactive steps toward creating a more seamless transition for students transitioning from community colleges to universities, ultimately empowering them with the tools they need to succeed in an ever-evolving job market.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 5 San Diego
- Wikipedia: San Diego State University
- NBC San Diego
- Google Search: San Diego Community College District
- San Diego Union Tribune
- Google Scholar: STEM education in California
- CBS 8 San Diego
- Encyclopedia Britannica: California community colleges
- Times of San Diego
- Google News: San Diego education initiatives
Author: Anaheim Staff Writer
Anaheim Staff Writer The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
